Coles

About Coles

There will be a limited number of by arrangement visits in 2024.

Renovation of once-famous garden, famed for its rhododendron and azalea Spring display, planted in late 1940s by Otto Nicholson, whose family created the distinctive architecture in this locale. (Country Life called Coles ‘a great post-war garden’ in 1961). 50 mature Japanese Acers also dot the middle canopy beneath the oaks and sweet chestnuts of the ancient woodland that comprises over half of the 25 acre site: bluebells and varied leaf colour provide contrasting Spring and Autumn palettes.

The rhododendrons and azaleas are particularly fine in two grassed areas created in the woodland, The Glade and The Rockery, and rival Exbury for their variety and colour – not surprising as the two Head Gardeners were friends.

Garden renovation over the last 7 years has been carried out by Mike & Shuna who restored the 1764 Richard Woods garden at Old Alresford House: at Coles they have recently added 15 beds of contemporary grass and perennial planting around the stunning modern house they have built, with its own central garden courtyard accessed by walking under the house. And the views from the house down the striped lawns are a pleasure in themselves.

The garden is of particular interest to garden societies that like to see gardens in the making. The wildflower meadow beneath the arboretum will be planted this year, as will the heather beds beneath the pinetum they have created, but almost all the trees are planted, with some unusual specimens, all carefully labelled. They have also added a dramatic koi pond to accompany the old dew pond and large wildlife pond and a ‘water walkway’ is just one of the many walks you can enjoy.

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